Lebanon prepares for Boone County's population growth with new housing plan

During the Lebanon City Council meeting on April 28, 2025, significant discussions centered around the anticipated population growth in Boone County and the need for a comprehensive update to the city’s development plan. The Boone County Housing Study, presented last year, projected that over the next 25 to 30 years, Boone County could see an influx of more than 60,000 new residents, translating to approximately 30,000 additional households. This growth is expected to impact Lebanon directly, prompting city officials to proactively plan for housing and infrastructure needs.

City officials emphasized the importance of preparing for this growth by ensuring that adequate housing options are available. The study indicated that Lebanon would need to construct around 2,000 residential units over the next five years to meet the demand, with a total of 5,000 to 6,000 units needed across Boone County. This proactive approach aims to facilitate meaningful and quality growth in the community.

The council also discussed the ongoing update of the comprehensive plan, which serves as a guiding document for future development. Urban planner Aaron Kowalski from MKSK presented the comprehensive plan update, highlighting the importance of public engagement and stakeholder input in shaping the community's vision. The updated plan will include sections on housing, land use, transportation, and economic development, ensuring a holistic approach to community planning.

In addition to the comprehensive plan discussions, the council reviewed two rezoning requests for commercial developments on State Road 32. Both requests aim to change the zoning from light industrial to general business to accommodate new commercial projects, including a hotel and a fueling station with associated retail options. These developments are seen as vital to enhancing Lebanon's economic landscape and responding to community needs.

The council decided to take more time to review the comprehensive plan before voting on its adoption, emphasizing the importance of thorough consideration of the document's implications for the future of Lebanon. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 12, where further discussions and potential votes on the rezoning requests will take place. Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to strategic planning in anticipation of significant growth and development in the coming years.